When I learned that the Suzuki Z400 and the Arctic Cat DVX 400 are essentially the same machine, I wasn't surprised. They rode very similarly, yet the Arctic Cat's seat was so uncomfortable it felt as if I was sitting on a rock. It was not my favorite feature. If Arctic Cat made the seat change in the future, it would come down to color and graphics for my money. However, the ergos on the DVX seemed to be a bit different from all the others and it fit me the best. I found shifting in the trails to be really easy, and going flat-out on the dunes was a blast. What a fun machine! You'll love the power but hate the seat. On its twin, the Z400, what you'll notice first is the smooth-as-silk motor. Second is the excellent handling-it's obvious from where the LT-R450 inherited its turning technology. The Z400 is superb, whether it be on tight, twisty switchbacks or just shredding the top of a dune! The motor will surprise you as you keep up with your buddies who just coughed up seven grand for a brand-new 450. Surprisingly, I found the ergos to be a little snug. It wasn't horrible, but I wasn't as comfortable on this machine as I was on the DVX or the 300EX. Overall, this ATV is a perfect balance between power and handling. However, I'd buy the TRX300EX for the wife and the TRX400EX for myself.
Lauron Kirk/6'3"/185 lb/Intermediate
The Suzuki Z400 and the Arctic Cat DVX 400 were both fun to ride. They had plenty of power for little hillclimbs and enough ground clearance to go over small rocks. I could just cruise around, or I could really give them gas and run through the gears for some high-speed fun. The power was great for breaking the back wheels free pretty much whenever you needed or wanted. Both had plenty of room for my 6-foot 3-inch frame, and I didn't feel as though I was hanging over the front end when I stood up. The electric start was great and the reverse wasn't too complicated to operate.
Switching to the smaller machines, I was excited to ride the Raptor 350, though I was a little disappointed with the fit. I couldn't slam the handlebar to either side for tight turns or slides without bashing my knees (yes, I am tall), and I ended up riding it like a superbike rider by hanging my knee out every time I turned sharp. This was very uncomfortable, and I'm sure it looked goofy. With my knee out, I was able to whip the Raptor around with very little effort. It may have less power than a 400, but it can still break the back tire free for some fun. I also had a chance to sample Honda's TRX300EX. Shockingly, the Honda was a little larger and fit me more like the 400s did. But its 300cc motor lacked oomph and was unable to slide the back wheels as easily. On straightaways, it seemed to have enough get-up-and-go, but I found myself running through the gears more-shifting to get up to speed and maintaining power for inclines. A fun quad but not enough power for my size-which meant the 400s were looking like better choices.
Sally Kirk/5'10"/135 lb/Beginner
The Suzuki Z400 was the first quad I've ever ridden. It was too powerful for me. I only got up to second gear (and second gear went really fast!). I rode most of the time sitting down, and the seat was really comfortable. I found it very stressful to focus on riding and shifting gears. Once, I felt like I was going to fall off the back of the quad; it jerked forward because I didn't change gears properly. This machine is definitely good for an experienced rider, not me!
So the guys put me on the Kymco Mongoose 300 next. OMG! I love this quad! It is very easy to ride. I definitely want to buy one. The machine was very comfortable in all aspects. It is fully automatic, so I didn't have to shift gears, which is still hard for me. The power was good-it wasn't jerky-and the Kymco went plenty fast for me. The seat was comfortable, and I had plenty of room to move around for proper riding positions. This quad handled the moderate trail riding that we did very well. I was even doing doughnuts on it-that was pretty cool! Even considering this was my first time ever on a quad, I wasn't worried about tipping over on uneven terrain. All I had to do was turn on the quad and go! The electric start made it as easy as starting a car. I can't wait to have one of my own! I've always wanted to go riding with my husband, but the gears always confuse me, so the Kymco 300 is absolutely perfect!